Celebrating at the Zoo

We celebrated Emmy and Eli's birthdays today with a trip to the zoo. Since their birthdays are only 8 days apart, a joint party was always the plan. As November drew closer, it became apparent that a large gathering may not be the best idea as we continue to limit contact and practice social distance. We decided an outdoor adventure with our closest family would be the perfect way to celebrate instead. The Houstons and both sets of grandparents were able to join us, and from the youngest to the oldest, it was a fun day for everyone! 

The zoo is using timed reservations and a one-way path to manage the crowds. Visitors must also wear masks when in the viewing areas, and there are several of the indoor exhibits that are closed. Even with these modifications, the whole visit was a very positive experience. The weather certainly helped with that. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, and compared with some of our previous summer visits, it was so comfortable. The animals must have liked the weather too because they were very active and visible. Eli fell asleep pretty early after we entered the zoo, and unfortunately he missed most of North America where we saw the sea lions, artic foxes, black bears, bison, elk, and ocelot. He woke up for lunch at the Junction Plaza and stayed awake through Africa. The gorillas were especially active, and on the prairie, we got a close view of the elephants. It was really sweet to see the wonder in each of the kids' eyes as we spotted the next animal. Maddox, Zander, and Emmy were often running ahead to the next exhibit as the adults tried to keep up. 

The grandpas hung in there through all the walking! During the second continent, they got pretty good at spotting an open bench to rest before moving on to the next animal. After we completed the Africa loop, we returned to the Junction for cupcakes and singing "Happy Birthday!" Eli wasn't too happy when we set him down on the turf for a photo, but he perked up after he had his first taste of cupcake. I think he quite liked the sugar. Emmy got to blow out candles too. We had individual cupcakes so that no germs were shared!

We spent about 6 hours at the zoo. Eli surprisingly stayed awake on the car ride home, but Emmy was knocked out within a few minutes. Between the fresh air and all of the walking, we will sleep well tonight. There has been talk of making a November zoo trip a new tradition - perhaps this is the first of many birthdays at the zoo! 

To our Birthday Girl

Dear Emmy -

You are 4! This year has been like no other. With all the things going on in the world, I am glad that I can still hold you close as my little girl. It is a privilege to be your mommy. When I wrote your birthday post last year, you were an only child, and only eight days later, you were promoted to "Big Sister." It was such an exciting moment when you came to the hospital to meet Eli. You were hesitant at first and not too interested in holding him, but you have opened up and become such a sweet and doting big sister. You love calling Eli by silly nicknames, like E-Guy, E-ggy, and Little Baby Head. As emotional as I was sending you off to your Aunt Megan's when we headed to the hospital, I see now that you and Eli were made to be siblings, and I love how whole our family feels. 

In addition to becoming a big sister, you have also bravely started a new school this year. After being home together for several months during the spring and summer, you began preschool at our church, Triad Baptist. I loved the bonus time with you earlier in the year, and I am now so thankful for your teachers and the wonderful environment for you to grow. You are always singing new songs like "The Leaves are Falling Down" and "Good Morning, Everybody." You have quickly learned the days of the week, the months of the year, and even the Pledge of Allegiance. Your Daddy and I marvel at your vocabulary. You are quite the storyteller, and you love telling us about Purple Baby's adventures or a funny story from school. You also like playing "teacher" and assigning Daddy and me the roles of line leader, door holder, and caboose. You can be quite bossy at home, but I think you are more meek and quiet at school. Your friends are Peyton, Nora, and Boy Emerson. (And of course all of your cousins!) You are still carrying around some of the same favorite stuffed animals: Minnie Mouse, Purple Baby, Sister, and Star. You have recently named your rabbit "Isaac." We weren't sure last year if you would be left-handed or right-handed, but it has become clear that you are a lefty. Your favorite activity is coloring, and you constantly ask for blank paper or to pick out a page from a coloring book. For your birthday, Grammy and Grandpa got you a Frozen craft set, and I am sure it will bring hours of fun. You know all of your colors, uppercase and lowercase letters, and you can count and write up to 20. You love being outside, and you tell me that you especially like the see-saw and slide at school. It has been tough this year to start any organized sports like dance or Tee-ball, but I hope we can try something soon. You have shown some interest in baseball after watching your cousins play. I can't wait to see you on a field or a stage. 

I switched out your clothes a few weeks ago, and you are already in 4T clothes. You are on the taller side, and you were so excited to mark your new height on the chart. Luckily you aren't too opinionated about your outfits, and you are agreeable to wearing whatever Mommy picks out. You loved wearing your Elsa dress for Halloween and your apron when you are "cooking" in your kitchen. You can put your shoes on all by yourself. Everyday after school, I have to shake them out because they are always full of mulch from the playground. I joke with your Daddy that I have no idea how there is any mulch left! You are a fairly good eater, although a little slow like your Mommy. Daddy and Eli will usually be finished while you and I are still taking bites of our food. You love all fruits, especially bananas, apples, grapes, and strawberries. Your special treats are M&Ms (which you get from Grandpa everyday after school), Chick Fil A ice cream, and Icy Pops. 

Reading is still a regular hobby of ours. You continue to like Fancy Nancy, as well as any book that Eli gets in the mail from Dolly Parton. We don't get to read as much before bedtime anymore since I am usually with Eli while Daddy is with you. We have found a smooth routine of getting you both to sleep between 7:30PM and 8PM. Usually after I nurse Eli, I'll come into your room, and we will sing a few songs, like "Hush Little Baby" and "I love you, Lord." Another tradition that we started this year was Friday Movie Night. We have been working through all of the Disney classics, and you love when Daddy plays the songs in the car or during our walks around the neighborhood. It's no surprise that Frozen continues to be your favorite.  

Our adventures this year were a bit limited, but we've managed to make our own fun at home. We enjoyed trips to the Science Center, the beach, and every park in Kernersville and Winston. My prayer for you this year is that you will always be kind to others and that you will help your brother as he learn new skills. Your Daddy and I love watching the two of you together. We hope the year ahead is filled with many more wonderful memories!  

We love you!
Mommy & Daddy

The morning started with balloons in the birthday girl's room. Then it was a normal day at school followed by dinner with the family at the Loop. Some of her special gifts included a Frozen activity set (with 1000 pieces!), a Frozen book, Frozen fruit snacks, Frozen underwear...hmm there seems to be a trend! She also got a Minnie puzzle, a pack of blank paper, and day-of-the-week socks. We ended the evening with marking Emmy's new height. Such a big girl! 

Family Photos

 A couple of weeks ago, we had family photos with our whole Bakewell-Houston-Kennedy crew. My mom has been wanting an updated photo of the ten of us, and we were happy to make it happen. When our original date was rained out, we rescheduled for a Monday at 5:30PM. I wasn't feeling too optimistic given the timing of dinner and especially after I picked up Emmy from school to find that she was a bit of a mess from making mud pies on the playground. There was no time for a bath, but luckily, with a quick outfit change and a good wipe down, you can hardly tell in the photos (unless you look closely at her fingernails!) The photographer is one of Megan's coworkers, and she was so great with the kiddos. She was very patient, and she knew just how to get them to smile. Of course the bag of M&Ms I packed helped a little bit, too! My mom has already printed the group shot onto a canvas to hang on her wall. I am loving the stage that the kids are in right now, so I am thankful to have these photos freezing them in time. I am going to have trouble choosing my favorite one for my Christmas card!